THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IN PRISON: RESULTS OF A NATIONWIDE SURVEY AND REPORT • • • • • • discipline, he shall state his opinion, and the grounds for that opinion, in writing to the Officer-in-Charge, who shall forward that opinion to the Director General; Periodically inspect every part of the prison with special reference to the sanitary state of the prison, the health of the prisoners and adequacy and proper cooking of the diets; and he shall ensure that the body weights of prisoners are properly recorded and shall periodically review them; Frequently examine the food of the prisoners, cooked and uncooked, and shall report in writing to the Officer-in-Charge as to the quality the provisions, and also as to the sufficiency of clothing and bedding, and any deficiency in the quality, or defect in the quantity, of the water, or any other cause which may affect the health of the prisoners; Keep careful observation on the mental condition of prisoners condemned to death and long sentence prisoners; In the case of the occurrence of any epidemic, or highly infections or contagious disease, or of any other circumstances affecting the health of the prisoners requiring unusual measures, make immediate report to the Officer-in-Charge without waiting for the time of any periodical report; Report to the Officer-in-Charge in writing any irregularity in the prison hospital which may come to his knowledge, and any difficulty or obstruction with which he may meet in the performance of his duties; and The regulations applicable to Medical Officers shall apply, so far as may be permitted to Dental Officers. 2.40 The above indicates that the responsibility of a medical practitioner in prison goes beyond merely treating sick prisoners. Regrettably, due to a shortage in Medical Personnel for prisons, and the high ratio of prisoners to Medical Personnel, it is questionable if the Medical Officers are able to fulfil their duties to the best of their ability. 2.41 The Prisons Department of Malaysia also refer to the United Nations’ SMR to provide greater protection for persons deprived of their liberty and as an effective guidance to national prison administration. 28